Ashvegas Hot Sheet: Main organizer of Fiesta Latina in Asheville bows out

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Some of what’s going around this Monday:

Happy solstice! This year, the summer solstice will feature a full moon – the first time since 1967. It’s called a “strawberry moon.”

WNCCHS (Western North Carolina Community Health Services), the main organizer/sponsor of Fiesta Latina the past few years, has announced that it won’t be sponsoring the event this year. “We appreciate all the sponsors, vendors, entertainers, staff and volunteer’s hard work and dedication over the years. Hopefully there will be other events in the community that can fill the void and provide a venue for celebrating Hispanic Heritage month,” writes Elio Gonzalez in an email.

Salt & Smoke is now up and running at full speed at Burial Beer. (Salt & Smoke on Facebook.) The food by Shannon and Josiah McGaughey started as a pop-up offering a year ago but now is a permanent fixture at the South Slope brewery.

The owners of ZaPow gallery have launched a crowd-funding campaign to try to remain in their downtown Asheville location on Battery Park Ave. Matt and Lauren Johnson report that their landlord has significantly increased their rent. The couple is trying to raise $10,000. Here’s their latest update:

Thanks to our amazing supporters we’ve hit 54% of our goal. If we hit our $10,000 we will be able to stay in our current location and offset the rent increase until the hotel next door opens next to us in June 2017 which will hopefully increase our foot traffic /profitability. Anything that we raise over $10,000 will be able to supplement our rent for just that much longer. 108 Artists Thank You!!

Terpsicorps, Asheville’s professional ballet company, will open a show Thursday that is its response to the controversial North Carolina law known as HB2. Here’s the press release:

Terpsicorps, the unconventional professional ballet company that delights Asheville with vivid cutting-edge dance, is proudly pairing with Blue Ridge Pride Center to present the world premiere of TRANSFORM. Now in its fourteenth season, the company brings in critically acclaimed professional dancers from across the US and abroad to perform for Asheville audiences during the summertime. Artistic director Heather Maloy’s choreography is known for tackling tough subjects with a unique blend of stunning visuals, athletic yet dramatic movement, a touch of humor and highly entertaining storytelling.

Premiering at the Diana Wortham Theatre on June 23-25, 2016, TRANSFORM is the story of a community, a view of the most transformative moments in the lives of just a few of its citizens. Alternately heart breaking, funny and transcendent, the theme of the bold and intensely emotional work is unity and the importance it plays in finding peace with each other and within ourselves. Experience glimpses at a soldier returning from war with PTSD, a young family faced with the terminal illness of a parent, three phases of a lifelong relationship and the path of a transgender woman who’s courageous journey to self realization inspires others to do discover their own true selves.

Blue Ridge Pride Center executive director, Yvonne Cook-Riley, will be a guest speaker each evening.

Also included on the program are the audience favorites Salvatore Aiello’s masterpiece, Satto, Heather Maloy’s comedic crowd pleaser, Couch Potatoes, and softloud, a world premiere by longtime Terpsicorps collaborator Christopher Bandy. “When the news of HB2 came out, it struck at the heart of who I am as a person and an artist. My work has always been inspired by the people and events that impact my life. At this time in our state’s history, I feel a calling to speak out for our community, for those of us who know and treasure the value of every human life and every human experience. HB2 is a multifaceted law created to confuse issues and promote fear of the unfamiliar. With the creation of Transform, I aim to offer glimpses of a variety of life transformations, creating a unifying theme that every person’s path deserves respect. It is my hope that by experiencing a moment from another’s perspective, that I can create the familiar within the unfamiliar, to humanize that which is unfairly demonized.” – Artistic director, Heather Maloy

TRANSFORM – June 23-25, 8pm at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville, NC. $30 / $28 seniors / $25 students / $20 teens (12-17) / $12 children. Group rates are avalable.

Gala Night – June 23, 7pm, Includes pre-show champagne toast and backstage tour, as well as VIP tickets for the show and admittance to the after party at Lex 18. The after party will have complimentary cocktails, elegant finger food and mingling with the dancers.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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